Free Risk Assessment Form Templates

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Free Risk Assessment Templates — Ready-Made, Customisable & HSE-Compliant

Choose from over 2,500+ ready-made risk assessment templates below, or start a blank risk assessment form and build your own using our built-in hazard library. Each template follows HSE best-practice guidance with pre-filled hazards, risk ratings, and control measures — simply review, customise to your workplace, and download as a professional PDF. Suitable for all industries and activities.

Risk Assessment

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TypeDocument TitleAction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSecuring Construction Sites Outside Working Hours Risk AssessmentDownload a free construction site security risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for site managers.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSecuring Farm Fuel, Agrochemicals & Firearms Risk AssessmentTemplate to secure farm fuel, agrochemicals and firearms against theft and misuse. Includes hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSecuring Loads and Materials During Transport Risk AssessmentDownload a free template for securing loads during transport. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics and drivers.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSecuring Plant and Machinery in Yards and Depots Overnight Risk AssessmentDownload a free template to secure plant and machinery in yards and depots overnight. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSecuring Premises During Storms, Flooding and Extreme Weather Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for securing premises during storms, flooding and extreme weather. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSecuring Refuelling Points Risk AssessmentDownload a free securing refuelling points risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSecuring Remote and Temporary Sites with CCTV and Alarms Risk AssessmentDownload a free CCTV and alarm risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and UK legislation references. Editable PDF for security sites.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSecurity Dog Risk AssessmentDownload a free security dog risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for canine handlers.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSecurity Dogs Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a free security dogs handling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSecurity Duties at Railway Stations and Bus Terminals Risk AssessmentComprehensive HSE‑compliant risk assessment for security staff at railway stations and bus terminals covering violence, terrorism, crowd control and more.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSecurity Guard Fitness for Duty Risk AssessmentDownload a free security guard fitness for duty risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. PDF for security firms.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSecurity Guard Risk AssessmentDownload a free security guard risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSecurity Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a free security operations risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSecurity Patrol Slips, Trips and Falls Risk AssessmentDownload a free security patrol slip, trip and fall risk assessment template. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes for security firms.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSecurity Role Risk AssessmentDownload a free security role risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards for pregnant workers. Editable PDF, compliant with UK legislation.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSecurity Staff First Aid Risk AssessmentDownload a free security staff first aid risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for security teams.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSecurity Staff Stress Risk AssessmentDownload a free security staff stress risk assessment template with pre‑filled psychological hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for securit...Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSecurity Workers Risk AssessmentDownload a free security workers risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for new and inexperienced staff.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSeed and Fertiliser Spreading Risk AssessmentDownload a free seed and fertiliser spreading risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSegregation of Rival Supporters Risk AssessmentDownload a free segregation of rival supporters risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for organisers.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSelf Check-In and Keyless Entry Risk AssessmentDownload a self check-in and keyless entry risk assessment template for hospitality. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance with UK health and safety law.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSelf-Order Kiosk and Digital Ordering Risk AssessmentDownload a self‑order kiosk risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for fast‑food retail.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSelf-Propelled Crop Sprayer Risk AssessmentDownload a free self-propelled crop sprayer risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for farmers and contractors.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSelf-Propelled Mower Risk AssessmentDownload a free self-propelled mower risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for landscaping and grounds work.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSelf-Service Kiosk and Unattended Store Risk AssessmentDownload a self-service kiosk risk assessment template for retail stores, covering public safety, equipment faults, slips, emergency response, and more.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSelf‑Checkout Monitoring and Intervention Risk AssessmentIdentify and control hazards linked to self‑checkout kiosks, monitoring and intervention in retail settings.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSemiconductor Wafer Fabrication Risk AssessmentDownload a free semiconductor wafer fabrication risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSensory Impairment Alarm and Emergency Communication Risk AssessmentDownload a free template to adapt alarms, signage and emergency communication for hearing or vision‑impaired workers. Includes hazards, controls, compliance.Category: Occupational Health & Welfare
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSensory Room and Water Play Hygiene Risk AssessmentDownload a sensory room risk assessment template with water play hygiene controls, legionella guidance and editable PDF for early years settings.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSeptic Tank Risk AssessmentDownload a free septic tank risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for plumbing and maintenance crews.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFServiced Apartment and Aparthotel Operations Risk AssessmentDownload a ready‑made risk assessment for serviced apartment and aparthotel housekeeping staff. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFServiced Apartment Turnaround Cleaning Risk AssessmentDownload a serviced apartment turnaround cleaning risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for housekeeping.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFServing Alcohol at Festivals Risk AssessmentDownload a free serving alcohol at festivals risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSet, Scenery & Prop Construction Risk AssessmentDownload a set, scenery and prop construction risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for event production crews.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSetting Out Advance Warning Signs Risk AssessmentDownload a free setting out advance warning signs risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSetting Out and Removing Temporary Traffic Management Risk AssessmentDownload a free template for setting out and removing temporary traffic management under live traffic. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSetting Safety Zones Risk AssessmentDownload a free setting safety zones risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for traffic management operatives.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSetting Tapers and Lead‑In Sections Risk AssessmentDownload a free template for setting tapers and lead‑in sections on high‑speed roads. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSetting Up and Storing Sports Hall Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a sports hall equipment risk assessment template with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance for gyms and leisure facilities.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSevere Weather Driving Risk AssessmentFree severe weather driving risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for ice, fog, heavy rain, wind. HSE‑compliant, download PDF. Fleet and driver safety.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSevere Weather Network Disruption Planning Risk AssessmentFree severe weather network disruption planning risk assessment template for fleet logistics. Pre‑filled hazards, controls, and download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSevere Weather, Flooding and Emergency School Closure Risk AssessmentDownload a severe weather and flooding risk assessment template for schools. Includes hazards, controls and compliance with UK health and safety law.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSexual Harassment for Hospitality and Accommodation Risk AssessmentDownload a sexual harassment risk assessment template for hospitality staff, with hazards, controls, and compliance guidance.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSexual Harassment Prevention Risk Assessment for Concerts Festivals, and EventsDownload a sexual harassment prevention risk assessment template for event staff. Includes hazards, controls and legal compliance.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShared Kitchen and Welfare Facilities Risk AssessmentDownload a free shared kitchen risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable for workplace welfare areas.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSharps Disposal and Broken Glass Cleanup Risk AssessmentDownload a free sharps disposal and broken glass cleanup risk assessment template for commercial kitchens. Includes hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Cleaning, Food Industry, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSharps, Needles and Bodily-Fluids Risk AssessmentHotel housekeeping risk assessment for sharps, needles and bodily fluids. Includes hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShed and Garden Building Risk AssessmentDownload a free shed and garden building risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for landscapers.Category: Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSheep Dip Chemical Handling Risk AssessmentDownload a sheep dip chemical handling risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Fully editable for farmers and contractors.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSheep Dipping and Jetting Risk AssessmentDownload a sheep dipping and jetting risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance for farmers and contractors.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSheep Handling and Movement Risk AssessmentDownload a sheep handling and movement risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for farms.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSheep Shearing Risk AssessmentDownload a sheep shearing risk assessment template with farm-specific hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for agricultural workers.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSheet Metal Folding & Rolling Risk AssessmentDownload a sheet metal folding and rolling risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShift Work Fatigue Risk AssessmentDownload a free shift work fatigue risk assessment template for manufacturing. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance with Working Time Regulations, PUWE...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShipbuilding and Marine Fabrication Risk AssessmentDownload a free shipbuilding and marine fabrication risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing. Editable PDF for...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShipping Container Loading Risk AssessmentDownload a free container loading risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics sites.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShipping Container Loading Risk AssessmentFree shipping container loading risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for manual handling, forklift use, struck‑by loads and more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShop Window Display Risk AssessmentDownload a shop window display risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance for retail visual merchandisers.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShopfront Entrance and Automatic Doors Risk AssessmentDownload a shopfront entrance and automatic doors risk assessment template with retail hazards, controls and PUWER compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShopping Centre Common Areas Risk AssessmentDownload a shopping centre common areas risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for mall managers.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShopping Trolley and Basket Management Risk AssessmentDownload a free shopping trolley risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and legal compliance. Editable PDF for retail and public spaces.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShort-Term Holiday Let and Serviced‑Accommodation Management Risk AssessmentDownload a short‑term holiday let risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for accommodation managers.Category: Hospitality and Accommodation
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShot Peening Risk AssessmentFree shot peening risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for manufacturing. Download editable PDF.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShower and Wet Room Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free shower and wet room installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Fully editable PDF.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShower Rooms and Wet Areas Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment for cleaning shower rooms and wet areas. Includes slip, chemical and legionella controls, fully editable PDF.Category: Cleaning, General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShowman’s Generators and Site Power Risk AssessmentDownload a showman's generators risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes for festivals and concerts.Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShowroom Vehicle Preparation Risk AssessmentDownload a showroom vehicle preparation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for dealerships.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShrink Wrap and Stretch Wrapping Risk AssessmentDownload a free shrink wrap and stretch wrapping risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, control measures and compliance notes. Editable PDF for fa...Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShrink Wrap Risk AssessmentDownload a free shrink wrap risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for logistics sites.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShuttering Risk AssessmentDownload a free shuttering risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for construction sites.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFShuttle and Single-File Working Risk AssessmentDownload a shuttle and single‑file working risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for traffic‑management teams.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSide-by-Side Utility Vehicle Risk AssessmentDownload a side-by-side utility vehicle risk assessment template for farms. Includes hazards, controls and PUWER compliance.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSign Post Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free sign post installation risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for roadworks crews.Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSilage Clamp Safety Risk AssessmentDownload a silage clamp safety risk assessment template with hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for farms.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSilica Dust Exposure Risk AssessmentDownload a free silica dust exposure risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and COSHH compliance. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSingle Carriageway Roadworks Risk AssessmentDownload a free single carriageway roadworks risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for highway mainte...Category: Roadworks & Highway Maintenance
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSink, Basin and Sanitaryware Installation Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment template for sink, basin and sanitaryware installation. Includes hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Plumbing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSintering and Powder Metallurgy Risk AssessmentDownload a free sintering and powder metallurgy risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls, and compliance notes for manufacturing.Category: Manufacturing
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSite Deliveries Risk AssessmentDownload a free site deliveries risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance for UK construction and logistics.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSite Fire Risk AssessmentFree site fire risk assessment template. Pre-filled hazards for hot work, fuel storage, waste. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSite Induction and Toolbox Talks for TM Crews Risk AssessmentRisk assessment for TM site induction and toolbox talks on live high‑speed roads, with controls and legal references.Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSite Plant Risk AssessmentFree site plant risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards for mobile plant, vehicle‑pedestrian collisions, fuel spills, and more. HSE‑compliant, download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSite Visit Risk AssessmentDownload a free site visit risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for construction sites.Category: Fleet & Logistics
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSki Trips and Winter Sports Risk AssessmentDownload a ski trips risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance for schools. Fully editable PDF for safe winter sports trips.Category: Schools and Learning Environments
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSkid Steer Loader Risk AssessmentFree skid steer loader risk assessment template. Pre‑filled hazards, controls and checklist for construction sites. Download PDF.Category: Construction
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSkin Care and Oil Solvent Dermatitis Risk Assessment for Vehicle Services and the Motor TradeDownload a skin dermatitis risk assessment template for workshops. Includes oil, solvent hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSkip, Waste and Recycling Compound Security Risk AssessmentDownload a free skip, waste and recycling compound security risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards and controls. Fully editable PDF.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSlicers, Scales and Counter Equipment Risk AssessmentDownload a slicer risk assessment template for retail stores, with hazards, controls and PUWER compliance.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSlip Road (On‑Slip and Off‑Slip) Closures Risk AssessmentTM risk assessment for slip road closures on motorways with hazards, controls and legal references (Traffic Signs Manual, NHSS 12, HSE GG 116).Category: Traffic Management
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSlips Trips and Falls in Commercial Kitchens Risk AssessmentDownload a free risk assessment for kitchen slips, trips and falls. Includes hazards, controls and UK compliance notes for catering staff.Category: Food Industry
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSlips Trips and Falls Risk AssessmentDownload a free slips trips and falls risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for workplaces.Category: General
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSlips Trips Falls Public Risk AssessmentDownload a free slips trips falls risk assessment for the public, with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes.Category: Security and Public Safety
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSlips, Trips and Falls Risk Assessment for Concerts Festivals and EventsDownload a risk assessment template for concert and festival crews covering slips, trips, falls, wet ground, cables, stairs and more. Fully editable and comp...Category: Concerts Festivals and Events
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSlips, Trips and Falls Risk Assessment for Gyms Training and Leisure FacilitiesDownload a slips, trips and falls risk assessment template for gyms, pools and sports centres. Fully editable, compliant with UK health and safety law.Category: Gyms Training and Leisure Facilities
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSlips, Trips and Oil Spills Workshop Risk AssessmentDownload a slips, trips and oil spills workshop risk assessment template with pre‑filled hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for motor trade.Category: Vehicle Services and the Motor Trade
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSlips, Trips and Spills on the Shop Floor Risk AssessmentDownload a retail‑specific slips, trips and spills risk assessment template with hazards, controls, and compliance notes.Category: Retail and Service Industries
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSlips, Trips and Uneven Ground Risk Assessment for Agriculture and FarmingDownload a farm slips, trips and muddy ground risk assessment template with hazards, controls and legal compliance notes.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSlurry Mixing and Agitation Risk AssessmentDownload a free slurry mixing and agitation risk assessment template with farm-specific hazards, controls and compliance notes. Editable PDF for agriculture.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSlurry Pit and Store Work Risk AssessmentDownload a slurry pit risk assessment template with hazards, controls and compliance for farm workers.Category: Agriculture and Farming
Risk AssessmentFREEPDFSlurry Tanker Operation and Spreading Risk AssessmentComprehensive risk assessment for slurry tanker operation and spreading on farms – hazards, controls and COSHH compliance.Category: Agriculture and Farming

How to choose the right risk assessment template

  1. Browse by industry or category

    Use the search box or category filter to find a template that matches your workplace, activity, or industry.

  2. Open the template

    Click "Create" to open the template in our free interactive 4-step Risk Assessment generator with the HSE 5x5 risk matrix.

  3. Customise hazards and controls

    Edit risks, control measures, persons at risk, and severity ratings to match your specific workplace operation.

  4. Download as a professional HSE-compliant PDF

    Sign, then download as a PDF ready for compliance, audit, or sharing with your team.

Frequently asked questions

Are these risk assessment templates really free to download?

Yes — completely free. Over 2563 free UK risk assessment templates, free to use forever, no paywall. Customise to your workplace and download as a professional HSE-compliant PDF in minutes.

Can I download risk assessment templates in PDF or Word format?

Risk assessments download as a professional, HSE-compliant PDF — ready to print and file as-is. Word (.docx) export is not available for risk assessments, but you can fully customise every hazard, control measure, persons-at-risk entry and rating online before you download.

Are the risk assessment templates HSE-compliant?

Yes. Every template aligns with HSE guidance and the HSE 5-Step Risk Assessment process. They cover the requirements of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, COSHH 2002, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Work at Height Regulations 2005, and other relevant UK regulations.

What industries do the risk assessment templates cover?

Every UK industry — painting, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, concrete, solar panel installation, asbestos, scaffolding, working at height, manual handling, fall protection, hot works, confined space entry, lifting operations, kitchen fitting, drywall, tiling, plastering, and many more.

What's the difference between a risk assessment form and a risk assessment template?

A risk assessment form is the blank document; a risk assessment template is a pre-filled form ready to customise. Our generator gives you both — a free interactive form you fill in plus over 2563 pre-written templates you can customise to your specific workplace.

Do I need to create an account to use the risk assessment templates?

You can build and preview a risk assessment without an account. To download the PDF you'll need a free account — it takes less than a minute, costs nothing, and also lets you save documents to your dashboard, edit them later, and share them for digital signatures.

Can I customise the risk assessment templates to my workplace?

Yes — fully. Edit hazards, control measures, persons at risk, likelihood and severity ratings, PPE requirements, and review schedules. Each template is a starting point you tailor to your specific operation.

How many risks can I add to a single risk assessment?

The number of risks (hazards) you can include in one assessment depends on your plan: guests get unlimited risks, Free accounts unlimited risks, Standard unlimited risks, Pro unlimited risks, and Enterprise unlimited risks per assessment. You can add and preview every risk in a template, then tick the ones to include up to your plan limit — upgrade any time for more. See our pricing page for the full plan comparison.

Are these risk assessment templates valid for UK construction work?

Yes. Our construction-specific risk assessment templates align with HSE construction guidance, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), and the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Templates cover scaffolding, working at height, concrete pouring, excavation, roofing, electrical installation, and more.

How often should I update my risk assessment?

Whenever there is reason to believe the assessment is no longer valid — after workplace changes, near-misses, accidents, new equipment, new substances, or new processes. HSE guidance recommends an annual formal review at minimum.

What is the HSE 5-step risk assessment process?

Step 1: Identify the hazards. Step 2: Decide who might be harmed and how. Step 3: Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions. Step 4: Record findings and implement them. Step 5: Review the assessment and update if necessary. Our interactive generator walks you through all 5 steps.

Can I use these risk assessment templates for self-employed work?

Yes. Self-employed workers are required to assess risks to themselves and anyone affected by their work. Our templates are suitable for sole traders, contractors, and small businesses.

Do you have RIDDOR-aligned risk assessment templates?

Yes. Several templates cover RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013) requirements — including accident reporting and investigation risk assessments. All RA templates support incident logging and review.

Get Started — Create Your Free Risk Assessment in 4 Easy Steps

What Is a Risk Assessment?

A risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying hazards in the workplace, evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm, and determining the appropriate control measures to reduce risk to an acceptable level. It is a legal requirement under UK health and safety law and forms the foundation of any effective safety management system. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines a risk assessment as “simply a careful examination of what, in your work, could cause harm to people, so that you can weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm.” Every employer, self-employed person, and contractor with five or more employees must record their risk assessments in writing.

Why Do You Need a Risk Assessment?

Risk assessments are not just good practice — they are a legal obligation. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA), employers have a general duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees and anyone affected by their work activities. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) make this more specific by requiring employers to:
  • Carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of the risks to employees and others
  • Implement preventive and protective measures based on the assessment findings
  • Appoint competent persons to assist with health and safety arrangements
  • Provide appropriate training and information to employees about risks and control measures
  • Review and update assessments whenever there is reason to suspect they are no longer valid
Failure to conduct adequate risk assessments can lead to enforcement action by the HSE, including improvement notices, prohibition notices, and prosecution. Under the Sentencing Guidelines for Health and Safety Offences, fines for serious breaches can reach millions of pounds, with custodial sentences possible for the most serious failures.

The HSE 5-Step Risk Assessment Process

The HSE recommends a straightforward 5-step approach to risk assessment that our free risk assessment generator is designed to follow: Step 1: Identify the Hazards Walk around your workplace and look at what could reasonably be expected to cause harm. Consider activities, processes, substances, equipment, and working conditions. Our generator includes a library of over 100 pre-populated risk templates covering common hazards across construction, healthcare, transport, manufacturing, and general workplace environments. Step 2: Decide Who Might Be Harmed and How For each hazard, identify who could be affected — employees, contractors, visitors, members of the public, or vulnerable groups such as young workers, pregnant employees, or those with disabilities. Consider how the harm could occur and the potential severity. Step 3: Evaluate the Risks and Decide on Control Measures Assess the likelihood and severity of each risk using a risk matrix. Our generator automatically calculates risk ratings and provides suggested control measures following the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Step 4: Record Your Findings and Implement Them Document your assessment, communicate the findings to employees, and put control measures in place. Our generator produces a professional, fully formatted risk assessment document that you can save, share electronically, and collect digital signatures from workers to confirm they have read and understood the assessment. Step 5: Review and Update Regularly Risk assessments are living documents. Review them when work practices change, after an incident, when new equipment or substances are introduced, or at least annually. Our platform stores your assessments in your user dashboard so you can easily update and re-issue them.

Who Needs a Risk Assessment?

Every employer in the UK must conduct risk assessments, regardless of industry or business size. Specific regulations also require risk assessments for particular activities and situations, including: Self-employed workers, landlords, and anyone managing non-domestic premises also have legal duties to assess risks. Our free risk assessment templates cover all these scenarios and more.

Why Use Our Free Risk Assessment Generator?

Our online risk assessment generator simplifies the entire process. Instead of starting from a blank template, you can:
  • Choose from over 100 pre-built risk templates with defined hazards, risks, and control measures
  • Customise every detail — add your own risks, edit control measures, and tailor the assessment to your specific workplace
  • Automatic risk calculation — our built-in risk matrix calculates severity, likelihood, and residual risk scores
  • Add your company logo for professional, branded documents
  • Collect digital signatures — share assessments with workers and collect electronic sign-offs, with up to 100 signatures per document for free users
  • Export to PDF — download professional documents ready for site files, audits, or client submissions
  • Save and manage — store all your assessments in your dashboard, update them anytime, and track review dates
Whether you are a sole trader completing your first risk assessment or a safety manager creating RAMS for a construction project, our generator saves time while ensuring your assessments meet HSE best-practice guidance and UK regulatory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Risk Assessments

What must a risk assessment include?

A suitable and sufficient risk assessment must identify the hazards present in the workplace, determine who might be harmed and how, evaluate the likelihood and severity of harm, record the existing control measures in place, and identify any additional actions needed to reduce risk. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers with five or more employees must record the significant findings of their assessment in writing. Our risk assessment generator guides you through each of these elements step by step.

How often should a risk assessment be reviewed?

There is no fixed legal timeframe for reviewing risk assessments, but the HSE recommends reviewing them whenever there is a significant change — such as new equipment, substances, processes, or staff — or after an accident, incident, or near miss. As good practice, most organisations review risk assessments at least annually. Our generator includes a review date feature so you can set reminders and track when assessments are due for review.

Do I need a risk assessment if I am self-employed?

Yes. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, self-employed workers must conduct risk assessments if their work activities could pose a risk to others, including clients, members of the public, or workers on shared sites. If you employ anyone else, you must assess risks to your employees. Many clients and principal contractors also require self-employed workers to provide written risk assessments before starting work on site.

What is the difference between a risk assessment and a method statement?

A risk assessment identifies hazards, evaluates risks, and determines control measures. A method statement describes the safe system of work — the step-by-step sequence of how a task should be carried out safely, incorporating the control measures identified in the risk assessment. Together they form a RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement), which is commonly required on construction sites and for high-risk activities. Health & Safety Zone offers both risk assessment and method statement generators.

What is a risk matrix and how does it work?

A risk matrix (also called a risk assessment matrix) is a tool used to evaluate the level of risk by combining the likelihood of a hazard causing harm with the potential severity of that harm. Each factor is scored on a scale (typically 1–5), and the scores are multiplied to give an overall risk rating. Our risk assessment generator uses a built-in risk matrix that automatically calculates risk scores for each hazard, colour-codes them (green, amber, red), and recalculates the residual risk after control measures are applied.

Is this risk assessment generator really free?

Yes. Our risk assessment generator is completely free to use. You can create a free account, generate risk assessments using our pre-populated templates or your own custom risks, add your company logo, collect up to 100 digital signatures per document, and export to PDF — all at no cost. There are no hidden charges, no trial periods, and no credit card required. We also offer free toolbox talk templates, company policy templates, method statement templates, and COSHH assessment templates.

Can I use these risk assessments for a construction site?

Absolutely. Our template library includes comprehensive construction risk assessments covering working at height, excavation, scaffolding, demolition, electrical safety, confined spaces, asbestos, manual handling, plant and machinery, and many more. These templates are designed to meet the requirements of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) and can be customised to your specific site, activity, and project. You can also create RAMS by pairing a risk assessment with one of our method statement templates.